The First Annual Chanute Air Festival in Rantoul, Illinois was held  during the weekend of August 11 & 12. Rekindling a long standing aviation heritage on the grounds of the former Chanute Air Force Base,  airshow fans came from throughout Central Illinois for an incredibly  well done first-time airshow. Hal Loebach, show director selected an  excellent line up of performers from the ultralight wing walking act  of Bob Essell and Jenny Forsythe to the high speed and impact of the Collings Foundation TA-4J which had its' airshow debut at Rantoul with the tactical demo designed by lead TA-4 pilot Bert Zeller.

  Aerobatics were plentiful from the easily recognizable high wing of  Greg Koontz' Super Decathlon to the Pitts flown by Stu Moment and  Billy Werth. Clyde Zellers demonstrated the aerobatic maneuvers that every Naval aviator was taught during World War Two. Two sets of  aircraft held a special place in the show representing the Tuskegee Airmen. Two Cherokee 140's painted in the color of the original Tuskegee training aircraft flew in close formation and a PT-23. One  of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Robert "Fox" Martin flew in a PT-23  during the Air Festival. The Cherokee's feature a paint scheme,   incorporating the logos of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI)  organization formed after WWII, The EAA Young Eagles program, and the  Chicago Chapter TAI logo that is prominent on the Tail.

  While the skies were clear, the sun rather effectively baked both airshow performers and spectators. Next year, the show will be back for the second annual installment, but with plans to select an early June date.